Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley praised Mason Cox's ability to respond to a slow start against Fremantle during the second round of the JLT Community Series on Saturday.

The 211cm Cox provided a focal point in attack and the Pies' fleet of runners swung the momentum back the visitors' way.

"(Cox) was off the pace early, his contest and work rate wasn’t where we needed it to be, but I thought that was a real step forward for him to be able to respond to that and to be a pretty significant forward target," Pies coach Nathan Buckley said.

"He's actually had a really strong pre-season... even if he's not marking them he's putting defenders under pressure.

"He's still learning the game, there's still massive areas of growth for him, and if he continues to bring the right attitude he could still be anything for us."

Star forward Jamie Elliott (ankle), Josh Smith (ankle) and gun defender Ben Reid could be among the inclusions for Collingwood's final pre-season hit-out against Richmond.

Reid was one of several Pies to get through a practice match unscathed on Friday night coming back from posterior cruciate ligament surgery.

However, Buckley conceded star recruit Daniel Wells still had "a little bit of work to do" before he makes his club debut after ongoing calf trouble.

"The clock's ticking, we're three weeks away from round one, but we also won't be forcing him in before he's ready."